Our Mission

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Last night, West parent Erica Carlson joined hundreds of
other parents at the GPS event at the College of DuPage to hear Paul Tough
discuss "How Children Succeed Beyond Smart: How Girt, Curiosity and Character
Help Kids Thrive."

"I am always enlightened
when I attend a GPS event," Carlson said. "My kids worry when I do because I
immediately try to implement everything I heard. Last evening was no
different. Paul Tough delivered a thought-provoking, research-based program
stemming from his book, "How Children Succeed."

Paul Tough

Contrary to conventional wisdom,
cognitive skills and IQ are not the best predictors of success in life. Tough contends that there are character
traits that can be learned and practiced
that lead to a "growth mindset" and, consequently, long-term success. The
traits he highlighted: zest, grit, self-control, curiosity, optimism, gratitude
and social intelligence, are needed when faced with challenges and
adversity.

Our children at times are
so protected that they aren't able to manage failure. We need to remember and
communicate as parents and educators that learning happens during the struggle.
Parents need to step back and allow our children to solve their own problems.

Another take-away for me was the idea that effort is
more important than ability. Praise becomes authentic to our children and they
become more open to risk-taking when the process rather than the product is the
focus of our attention. And in this busy, high stress world sitting down for a
family dinner is one of the best things we can do for our
kids."

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Before I wrote The Sweet Spot, I needed a manifesto--something to organize my passion for the project. I started keeping lists of phrases and pieces of advice that captured my message. When I was done writing the book, it was fun to go back and look at all the little lists and edit them down into this manifesto. I hope you are inspired to download the beautiful printable version my publisher
created.

If this manifesto doesn't do it for you, find one that does! Or create your own. Having go-to sources for inspiration and motivation can guide us towards those thoughts and behaviors that bring us the most meaning, fulfillment, and satisfaction.

And...I can't resist exclaiming...TODAY IS BOOK LAUNCH DAY!! TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY MY BOOK IS AVAILABLE!! Undeniably more exciting for me than anyone else, but just the same, I hope you will help me spread the word.

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

While kids everywhere play violent videogames, parents
wonder about negative

effects from all that shooting, maiming and killing. Some
scientific research is

worth our attention.

While kids everywhere play violent videogames, parents wonder about negative effects from all that shooting, maiming and killing. Some scientific research is worth our attention.

It’s no surprise that research has documented increased physical and psychological arousal in the aftermath of violent gaming. Of particular concern is the finding that such games result in ruder and more insensitive behavior toward others immediately after the game playing.i The effect has been found to last up to nine minutes — long enough to be an issue if your game-playing youngster rejoins family activity immediately upon leaving the game console. Observe your child’s re-entry after violent gaming. Perhaps there would be benefit from a “cooling down” period — chilling out with a book or non-stimulating TV show — so he or she is better positioned to bring courtesy and sensitivity to others, and to exercise self-control.

Researchers are concerned that over the long term, violent gaming leads to desensitization — violent images stop having any impact after enough regular exposure. There’s evidence that areas of the brain responsible for empathy in particular, show negative changes among teens exposed to violent images over long periods of time, leading to what some researchers describe as a kind of moral immaturity.ii Speculation is that excessive violent gaming may be replacing traditional, positive social experiences in a youngster’s life — hanging out with friends, participating in extra-curricular clubs and activities, reading or watching TV — allowing the games’ values to carry undue influence when it comes to the development of an accurate sense of right and wrong.iii

Parents might be wise to set time limits on violent game play (while endorsing non-violent videogames), and make a point of educating youngsters (through film, television, books and especially conversation) about the suffering that results from even relatively minor violence. The goal is to promote in our sons and daughters the development of empathy and a recognition that senseless violence must never be treated casually or with indifference.

2018-2019 Schedule

2018-2019 Event Schedule

GPS

Our Mission

The Glenbard Parent Series engages top experts, parents, and school staff to become proactive and informed in pursuit of the mutual goal to strengthen our communities. High school and middle school parents and students, along with educators are encouraged to attend. Programs are free and open to the public.